Nabumetone Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Nabumetone Tablet is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It works by blocking substances in the body that cause pain, swelling, and fever. It is taken by mouth and is not approved for use in children or anyone younger than 18 years old.

What is Nabumetone Tablet

Nabumetone is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat arthritis symptoms. It is a tablet taken by mouth.

Nabumetone Tablet uses

• Relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis
• Relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

Benefits of Nabumetone Tablet

• Reduces joint pain, stiffness, and swelling from arthritis
• Reduces inflammation and the tissue damage that comes with it

How Nabumetone Tablet works

After you swallow it, the body changes nabumetone into an active form that blocks substances in the body called prostaglandins, which cause pain, swelling, and fever. This helps reduce inflammation and pain.

Nabumetone Tablet dosage

Nabumetone tablets can be taken with or without food, though taking it with food or milk may help lessen stomach upset. Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew or crush it. Try to take your tablets at the same time each day. After taking the medicine, remain sitting or standing upright for about 15 to 30 minutes to help prevent irritation that could cause trouble swallowing. Keep taking the medicine even after you start to feel better, since full relief may take up to a week in some cases. If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the normal time; do not double up. This medicine is not approved for use in children or anyone younger than 18 years old.

Available forms and strengths

• 500 mg oral tablet
• 750 mg oral tablet
• 1000 mg oral tablet

Side effects of Nabumetone Tablet

Common

• Stomach pain or upset stomach
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Gas (flatulence)
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Rash or itching
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Swelling in hands and feet
• Increased sweating
• Trouble sleeping
• Drowsiness or tiredness

Serious

• Signs of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, or slurred speech
• Signs of stomach bleeding, such as bloody or tarry stools, vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Liver problems, such as nausea, tiredness, itching, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or flu-like symptoms
• Kidney problems, such as little or no urination, painful urination, or swelling in feet or ankles
• Low red blood cell count (anemia), such as paleness, tiredness, or feeling light-headed
• Serious allergic reactions, such as hives, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing
• Serious skin reactions, such as fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, or a red or purple rash with blistering and peeling
• Unusual weight gain or swelling (fluid retention)
• High blood pressure or worsening of existing high blood pressure
• Heart failure symptoms such as shortness of breath or swelling in the legs

Warnings and precautions

• NSAIDs like nabumetone can increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death, and this risk grows with longer use.
• Never use nabumetone for pain right before or after a heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG), as this raises the risk of heart attack or stroke.
• Nabumetone can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment, sometimes without any warning signs, and this can be fatal.
• People who have had an asthma attack, hives, or allergic reaction after taking aspirin or another NSAID should not take nabumetone, since severe and sometimes fatal reactions have occurred.
• Nabumetone can cause serious skin reactions such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis, which can be fatal and may happen without warning.
• Nabumetone can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
• Avoid nabumetone during pregnancy, especially in the last few months, unless your doctor tells you to take it. It may cause heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and complications with delivery.
• It is not known if nabumetone passes into breast milk. You should not breastfeed while using this medicine unless your doctor says it's okay.
• Use nabumetone with caution if you have kidney problems, since the drug and its byproducts are removed from the body mainly through the kidneys, and NSAIDs can cause kidney damage.
• Use nabumetone cautiously if you have liver problems, since the drug is processed by the liver and can rarely cause serious liver damage, including liver failure.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine, as it raises the risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers.
• This medicine can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy after taking it.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C)
• Can tolerate brief exposure to temperatures between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C), such as during transport
• Store in a cool, dry place in a tight, light-resistant container
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Keep out of the reach of children
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you have shortness of breath or trouble breathing, chest pain, weakness on one side of your body, slurred speech, or swelling of the face or throat.
• Stop taking nabumetone and call your doctor right away if you notice nausea, unusual tiredness or weakness, itching, yellowing of skin or eyes, stomach pain, flu-like symptoms, vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, unusual weight gain, skin rash or blisters with fever, or swelling of the arms, legs, hands, or feet.
• If you develop any skin rash or signs of asthma while taking this medicine, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately.
• If you think you have taken too much nabumetone, seek emergency medical help or contact a poison control center right away.

Alternatives

• Etodolac
• Diclofenac
• Naproxen